Black Friday generates an increase in electronic product sales of up to 45%, but also an avalanche of waste, with only 50% of it being recycled correctly.

Although it offers attractive discounts, Black Friday significantly contributes to the increase of electronic waste, with sales of electrical and electronic products rising by up to 45%. This leads to a 10-15% increase in waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). According to the Environ Association, only 50% of discarded appliances are recycled properly, with the rest ending up in non-compliant landfills or being sold for scrap. Additionally, Romanians intend to buy products such as smart TVs and mobile phones, but the collection rates for these products are alarmingly low.

The Association emphasizes the importance of choosing sustainable products and proper recycling, proposing five recommendations for a sustainable Black Friday. Furthermore, recycling electronic waste can recover valuable raw materials, thus contributing to the green economy. Although Romania collected over 202 million kilograms of WEEE last year, the collection rate remains below the European average.